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Admission Requirements

In alignment with our education mission, we review all applicants holistically. We also consider evidence of scholarly work such as research favourably. While we do not set pre-determined cut-offs for GPA and MCAT scores, these should reflect an academic background that is able to withstand the rigours of a fast-paced medical education at Duke-NUS. Studies have shown that a favourable MCAT score is positively correlated with certain indicators of success in medical school. We do consider the MCAT results together with other attributes, such as academic or personal strengths, in determining the suitability of a candidate.

The Admissions Committee reviews all application material, reference letters, and interviewer comments carefully to better understand each applicant. We seek to identify those with the traits and skills that will help them succeed as clinicians or clinician-scientists. These attributes include competent communication and interpersonal skills, integrity, teamwork, altruism, resilience, and critical thinking. In order to produce future clinician- leaders who can improve the practice of medicine, the Admissions Committee seeks applicants who are academically capable team players and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the practice of medicine.

Other Requirements

Results of TOEFL or IELTS are required only if English was not the language of instruction during undergraduate studies. English is the language of instruction at Duke-NUS. Applicants whose medium of instruction during undergraduate studies was not English must submit either TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) scores or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language. The following are the minimum scores that should be achieved:

• 600 on the TOEFL paper-based test; OR

• 85 on the TOEFL internet-based test; OR

• an overall band score of 7 on the IELTS

Duke-NUS does not accept TOEFL or IELTS scores earned more than two years ago. Please visit our FAQs section for further queries on admissions requirements.

Please be advised that in accordance with Singapore Ministry of Health regulations, MD and MD-PhD candidates matriculating into Duke-NUS Medical School must provide documentation for the following screening and immunization requirements:

• Screening for Hepatitis B and Immunity Status

• Screening for Hepatitis C Antibody and HIV Antibody

• MMR (Mumps, Measles and Rubella) Immunity Status

• Varicella (Chicken pox) Immunity Status

• Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) Immunity Status

Additional health requirements upon acceptance to Duke-NUS are currently under review, in keeping with local health mandates. Applicants who are offered admission will be apprised of health screening and immunization requirements.

As the cost of medical education at Duke-NUS is subsidized by the Singapore Government, all graduates of its MD programme or the MD-PhD track are required to fulfill a service commitment. If this service commitment is broken or unfulfilled, liquidated damages – pro-rated according to the bond period not served – must be paid off to the government. The amount of liquidated damages is based on the government subsidy granted and compounded annual interest. For more information, please refer to the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) website.

According to MOH guidelines, the service commitment period is as follows:

4 years for Singapore citizens

5 years for international graduates and Singapore Permanent Residents

The service commitment period excludes the first year of postgraduate (residency) training, commencing only after satisfactory completion of the first postgraduate training year. The service commitment is fulfilled in a public sector hospital/institution in Singapore as determined by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Assuming satisfactory completion of the first postgraduate training year, trainees can fulfill their service commitment during residency training in Singapore ; or alternatively, in an MOH-approved public sector research setting in lieu of further residency training. If there are additional questions please go to our FAQ page.

At present, Duke-NUS does not have a deferment policy for admitted students. As such, male Singapore Citizen and Singapore Permanent Resident applicants are expected to have fulfilled their National Service (NS) obligations before matriculation. For international applicants required to serve in their home country’s military, a few points should be kept in mind. While “Leave of Absence” (LOA) is in place for a number of academic, research, and personal reasons, this is contingent on approval by the Student Promotions Committee. Generally, LOA is not granted for fulfillment of National/Military Service obligations. Additionally, to be eligible for medical registration, the Singapore Medical Council requires a doctor to begin year-one of residency training within 1 year of graduating from medical school. This makes the immediate post-graduation period an unsuitable time for serving the typical 2-year military commitment. Given these specifications, it is strongly recommended that full-time National/Military Service is completed, or is in the process of being completed, before applying to Duke-NUS.

We require all applicants to Duke-NUS who have previously accepted scholarship offers with service commitment expectations, to directly confirm with their respective sponsoring organization(s) whether or not they are eligible to join Duke-NUS, and how this may additionally impact their future service commitment to the Singapore Ministry of Health.

Introduction

All candidates for the M.D. degree must possess the physical and mental skills and abilities necessary to successfully complete the medical school curriculum. To achieve the optimal educational experience, students are required to participate in all phases of the training programme.

The study of medicine is not a pure intellectual exercise. Rather, a specific set of minimum physical, mental, emotional and social abilities are needed to be a successful student. Students must possess all of the abilities listed in the five categories below. The use of an intermediary that would, in effect, require a student to rely on someone else's power of observation and/or communication will not be permitted.

I. Observation:

a) Visually observe materials presented in the learning environment including audiovisual presentations, written documents, microbiology cultures, microscopic examination of microorganisms, tissues and gross organs in the normal and pathologic state, and diagnostic images.

b) Observe patients accurately and completely, both at a distance and directly. This requires functional vision, hearing, and sensation.

IV. Intellectual/conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities:

a) Perform calculations necessary to solve quantitative problems as required by the curriculum.

b) Collect, organize, prioritize, analyze and assimilate large amounts of technically detailed and complex information in a timely fashion. This information will be presented in a variety of educational settings, including lectures, small group discussions, and individual clinical settings. The applicant should be able to analyze, integrate, and apply this information appropriately for the problem solving and decision-making.

c) Apply knowledge and reasoning to solve problems as outlined by the curriculum.

d) Comprehend the three dimensional spatial relationships of structures.

e) Remain awake and alert.

V. Behavioral, Emotional and Social Attributes

a) Possess the emotional health to fully apply his/her intellectual skill, exercise good judgment, and to complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients.

b) Develop a mature, sensitive and effective relationship with patients and colleagues.

d) Possess qualities of adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to function in the face of uncertainty.

e) Form a compassionate relationship with his/her patients while maintaining appropriate boundaries for a professional relationship.

f) Behave in an ethical and moral manner consistent with professional values and standards.

g) Exhibit sufficient interpersonal skills, knowledge and attitudes to interact positively and sensitively with people from all parts of society, ethnic backgrounds, and belief systems.

h) Cooperate with others and work corroboratively as a team member.

The faculty of the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School recognizes its responsibility to present candidates for the M.D. degree who have the knowledge, attitudes and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. Candidates for the M.D. degree at Duke-NUS Medical School will be prepared to enter postgraduate medical education as general physicians able to undertake specialty education.

The Committee on Admissions is responsible for adhering to these technical standards during the selection of medical students.

If you have any questions on whether you meet the standards described above, please contact the Admissions Office at info@duke-nus.edu.sg.

Please note that all information provided by the Admissions Department is for information purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between Duke-NUS and any other person or entity unless otherwise specified. The terms of admission (e.g. tuition fees and the service commitment agreement) and these admissions documents are subject to change without prior notice with input from Duke-NUS stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and NUS. Although every reasonable effort is made to present accurate information at the time of publication, Duke-NUS gives no warranties and accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.